AZERBAIJAN, 14 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Protests against restrictions on schoolgirls wearing hijab have spread across Azerbaijan, with students boycotting classes in solidarity with their classmates who were reportedly barred from entering classrooms. According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, demonstrations and class boycotts have been reported in the capital, Baku, as well as in several other areas, including School No. 322, School No. 69, Masalli and Jalilabad. In some areas, parents have reportedly threatened to withdraw their children from schools in protest against the restrictions. The controversy began after Cabinet Resolution No. 309 was adopted on September 21, prohibiting additional clothing that conflicts with school uniform regulations. Although the resolution does not explicitly mention the hijab, some schools have reportedly interpreted the rules as prohibiting female students from covering their heads, triggering concerns over religious freedom and access to education. Authorities maintain that the dress code is intended to ensure uniformity in schools under Azerbaijan’s secular education system, while critics argue that restricting religious attire violates students’ freedom of religion and their right to education. According to Azerbaijan’s Interior Ministry, 37 people had been arrested by October 12 in connection with incidents linked to the enforcement of the regulations at educational institutions. Officials alleged that some individuals clashed with school staff, damaged property and attempted to disrupt public order, while a criminal case has also been registered in connection with the incidents. The protests have also reached Türkiye, where demonstrators gathered outside Azerbaijan’s consulate in Istanbul, drawing international attention to the dispute. Azerbaijan is a predominantly Muslim country, with approximately 96 percent of its population identifying as Muslim; however, its constitution defines the country as a secular state and guarantees freedom of religion.